The jurors for the 2016 European Car of the Year award have handed down a list of the final models in the running for this year’s prize, to be revealed at March’s Geneva motor show. Shortlisted from a group of forty nominees announced in July, today’s list of seven vehicles includes four premium marques and three volume-selling brands. All but one are of the passenger variety, with the new Mazda MX-5 standing out as the only pure sports offering in the pack. And, having already been declared Japan’s car of the year, the latest generation of Mazda’s legendary roadster is in with a strong chance. The finalists list is otherwise a predictable selection, including the small Opel Astra – due here next year with a Holden badge – and the new Audi A4 and Jaguar XE mid-sizers. Large executive offerings are represented by the new BMW 7 Series and the more affordable new Skoda Superb, along with the large Volvo XC90, now a more premium offering that looks to go toe-to-toe with the luxury establishment. Last year’s winning car was the new Volkswagen Passat, now available in Australia, and the year before was Peugeot’s little 308 hatch. The winning car for the 2016 award will be announced at March’s Geneva motor show. Which do you think will take the prize? To read the full list of vehicles nominated in July, see our earlier article here.